I am available to meet with you by appointment. Please contact me
to make arrangements.

I have come to the frightening conclusion. I am the decisive
element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the
climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher I
possess tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can
humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations it is my
response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or
deescalated, and a child humanized or dehumanized.

Between Teacher and Child

Dr. Hiam Ginott

All children can learn. It is where the student enters, the size
of the learning set and the pace of instruction which varies and must
be adjusted to form an instructional match for the student.

Basic Principle of the Instructional Support Process

Including Students with Special Needs will use the seminar format.
The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with special
education laws, state and federal definitions, inclusionary practices
and current issues regarding special education services as they
relate to students with disabilities, their families and general
education.

4. current trends, best practices and inclusionary practices as
they relate to general education and special education services.

5. belief systems regarding special education practices.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance will be taken in class. Since the seminar format will
be used, attendance and class participation are essential. Each
unexcused absence will result in a reduction of your final grade by
one grade per absence. Students should come to class well prepared
to discuss the outlined topics. All reading assignments must be
completed prior to the designated class. Issues regarding special
education are often technical and may be confusing. I welcome
questions and look forward to discussions regarding areas of concern
and/or interest. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have
any questions.

Absences due to illness will be excused only with a written form
from a healing practitioner. Your participation in class activities
and discussions is essential and will be monitored. You will be
expected to participate in all class activities and discussions.

2. Response Log: 20%

This log will be used:

to respond to questions presented in class.

to review specific articles given out during the length of the
course.

to write personal insights and/or questions.

The response log entries must be typed, dated, have the entry
question at the top of the first page and be kept in a folder. At
least two references from information presented in class, the text or
supplemental articles are required for each log entry. The response
log will be collected every Wednesday.

3. Two contacts with people involved with special education: 30%
each

This activity is meant to give you the opportunity to interview
two people who have personal experience, commitment and investment
in special education. This may include students with disabilities,
parents of students with disabilities, teachers, administrators or
specialists. You may visit a classroom where students with
disabilities receive services. After each contact you will write a
reaction essay which must include:

a description of the situation

your questions: One question must focus on the individual's
belief system concerning inclusionary practices.

the responses to your questions

your observations and reactions

Each paper should be 3-4 pages in length and typed. If you
need assistance in arranging these contacts, please see me
immediately.

Due: 5/16 and 5/23

The use of correct spelling, punctuation and grammar is expected
in all written assignments.

Please feel free to contact me at any time.

EVALUATION POLICY

Your performance in all areas will be graded in accordance with
Moravian College's standards of academic achievement. Please refer
to the Student Handbook for any further clarification. Please be
advised that to receive an A you will be expected to go beyond the
basic requirements and expectations. If you have any questions
concerning your grades, please see me immediately.

The following grade conversions will be used in determining your
recorded letter grade for the course:

94 - 100 = A 74 - 76 = C

90 - 93 = A- 70 - 73 = C-

87 - 89 = B+ 67 - 69 = D+

84 - 86 = B 64 - 66 = D

80 - 83 = B- 60 - 63 = D-

77 - 79 = C+ 0 - 59 = F

The Moravian College policy on academic honesty will be followed.
Please refer to the Student Handbook.